You are invited to the Nature Play Trail Open House on Saturday, November 14th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Happy National Accounting Day!
Today, we're giving a special shout-out to our amazing Business Office team — Kelly and Oakley! From keeping the numbers in order to managing the many details behind the scenes, their hard work helps keep our daily operations running smoothly.
We appreciate all that they do to keep our school district moving forward!
Thank you both for all you do!
Today, we're giving a special shout-out to our amazing Business Office team — Kelly and Oakley! From keeping the numbers in order to managing the many details behind the scenes, their hard work helps keep our daily operations running smoothly.
We appreciate all that they do to keep our school district moving forward!
Thank you both for all you do!
Happy National School Psychology Week!
This week, Pine Island Schools is excited to recognize Becki Winter for the important role she plays in supporting our students and school community!
Thank you, Becki, for your dedication to helping students navigate challenges, supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth, and working alongside families and staff to help every student succeed. Your compassion, expertise, and commitment make a difference in the lives of our students every day!
We appreciate all you do to help our Panthers learn, grow, and thrive! 🐾
This week, Pine Island Schools is excited to recognize Becki Winter for the important role she plays in supporting our students and school community!
Thank you, Becki, for your dedication to helping students navigate challenges, supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth, and working alongside families and staff to help every student succeed. Your compassion, expertise, and commitment make a difference in the lives of our students every day!
We appreciate all you do to help our Panthers learn, grow, and thrive! 🐾
🎁 Pine Island Annual Holiday Gift Event
Help make the holidays brighter for Pine Island students by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts! Toys, games, books, sporting equipment, stuffed animals, and educational items are all welcome.
Drop-Off Locations:
All Pine Island school buildings
Hardware Hank
City Hall
Island Market
Frandsen Bank & Trust
United Methodist Church
Donation Deadline: Saturday, December 5th
Every donation makes a difference! Together, we can bring smiles and holiday joy to local children and families.
Questions? Contact Pine Island Community Education:
📞 507-356-8876
📫 communityed@pineisland.k12.mn.us
Thank you for sharing the joy of giving!
Help make the holidays brighter for Pine Island students by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts! Toys, games, books, sporting equipment, stuffed animals, and educational items are all welcome.
Drop-Off Locations:
All Pine Island school buildings
Hardware Hank
City Hall
Island Market
Frandsen Bank & Trust
United Methodist Church
Donation Deadline: Saturday, December 5th
Every donation makes a difference! Together, we can bring smiles and holiday joy to local children and families.
Questions? Contact Pine Island Community Education:
📞 507-356-8876
📫 communityed@pineisland.k12.mn.us
Thank you for sharing the joy of giving!
🗓️Mark your calendars!
You’re invited to our annual breakfast with Santa event! Guests will enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle breakfast, festive cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, and live holiday music from our talented High School Choir and Orchestra.
You’re invited to our annual breakfast with Santa event! Guests will enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle breakfast, festive cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, and live holiday music from our talented High School Choir and Orchestra.
Nature Play Trail Fall Open House
Fall is a beautiful time to get outside and explore. Join us at the Nature Play Trail on Saturday, November 12, from 2:00-3:00pm for a Fall Open House!
You can expect:
*Fun play time at trail stations!
*Play dough Door Prizes! Homemade, naturally dyed play dough!
*A chance to share your ideas and feedback with PIHS and UMR students doing nature-based work!
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, explore the trail, and see what our PIHS and University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) EcoliteracySCHOOL students have been creating. Students will share their nature-based projects that are currently in progress and we would love to have community members stop by to check them out, ask questions, and provide feedback as they continue developing their projects.
Schedule:
2:00 - 2:30PM Arrive, register for door prizes, play and explore!
2:30PM Door Prize winners announced! Must be present to win.
2:30-3:00PM Have fun on the trail!
All humans are welcome! Ages 0-100! But please leave your furry friends at home as dogs are not permitted at the Nature Play Trail. We want to keep this nature area wild :)
Department : Buildings and Grounds
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
FLSA status: Exempt; cabinet position, salaried
Work year: 12 months, 260 days, full-time (1.0 FTE); evening and weekend work as needed; on-call for emergencies
Salary range: $75,000 – $90,000, based on experience.
Benefits: Health, Dental, Life, Disability, PERA Pension, PTO package
Direct reports: Custodians, maintenance and grounds staff across all school district sites.
Position Summary:
The Director of Buildings and Grounds leads Pine Island Public Schools' facilities operations, maintenance, custodial services, and grounds care so every school is safe, clean, code-compliant, and ready for learning. The Director manages the department budget, deferred maintenance and capital projects, energy and mechanical systems (including boiler plants), and the health and safety compliance programs the district must maintain under state and federal law. This is a licensed-trades leadership role: the successful candidate holds a Minnesota boiler engineer license and can personally evaluate the condition and operation of the district's mechanical systems.
For full position details and to apply, please visit https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/.
Reminder: No School Tomorrow!
There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, November 6th.
Enjoy the long weekend!
There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, November 6th.
Enjoy the long weekend!
To honor the Veterans that have ties to Pine Island Elementary School students and staff members, Pine Island Elementary School will be hosting an Honor Walk on Veterans Day (November 11, 2026) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Hot cocoa, tea, and coffee will be available at the start of the walk and a flier will also be distributed that has information about Veterans Day and talking points for families.
The Pine Island Lions Club will be displaying flags around the sidewalk in front of Pine Island Elementary School and Pine Island Elementary School families and staff members will be able to submit names of Veterans that they would like to honor. The names of the Veterans will be displayed by the flags along with the name of the student(s) and staff member that the Veteran has ties to. This event is open to the public and the walk will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Feel free to come anytime between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
The Pine Island Lions Club will be displaying flags around the sidewalk in front of Pine Island Elementary School and Pine Island Elementary School families and staff members will be able to submit names of Veterans that they would like to honor. The names of the Veterans will be displayed by the flags along with the name of the student(s) and staff member that the Veteran has ties to. This event is open to the public and the walk will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Feel free to come anytime between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
We are excited to share that, thanks to funding from the Minnesota DNR No Child Left Inside Grant, we have purchased new classroom sets of snowshoes to help get our students outside and exploring the great outdoors this winter!
Now we just need one more thing… A place to store them!
Does anyone have a storage shed that is no longer being used and that they would be willing to donate? We are looking for a place to house our snowshoes and keep them protected, dry, and ready for winter adventures!
If you have a shed you'd like to donate, please contact Megan Schimek at meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us
We're looking forward to getting students outside and discovering all the learning opportunities that come with a little snow!
Now we just need one more thing… A place to store them!
Does anyone have a storage shed that is no longer being used and that they would be willing to donate? We are looking for a place to house our snowshoes and keep them protected, dry, and ready for winter adventures!
If you have a shed you'd like to donate, please contact Megan Schimek at meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us
We're looking forward to getting students outside and discovering all the learning opportunities that come with a little snow!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The 3rd Annual PIHS Roots & Shoots Pumpkin Luminary Trail event recap and “best of the best” pumpkin voting results!
155 carved luminary pumpkins at Collins Park
HUNDREDS of visitors
17 Trick or Treat Stations
116 officially cast votes for favorite pumpkins!
189 pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves (and cash too)!
8 happy cows munching on pumpkins, making this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to: *PIHS Roots & Shoots Club and PIMS Conservation Crew students for bringing this boo-tiful 2026 event to life! *Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event! *Sekapp Orchard for pumpkin and apple donations *All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves! *Community members, Pine Island students, and local businesses and organizations who carved these festive masterpieces and hosted Trick or Treat stations along the trail!
Pumpkin carving winners by category:
Spooky - Pumpkin #91 - Kyren Gansen
Environmental - Pumpkin #120 - Jadin Suk and Joel Simpson
Funny - Pumpkin #71 - Lucy Huppert
Business - Pumpkin #122 - Middle Fork Farm
Organization - Pumpkin #148 - Lion’s Club
School Group - Pumpkin #155 - Mrs. Matera’s Classroom
Best in Show - Pumpkin #30 - Brynne Miller, Claire Baird, and Isabelle Hartwig
155 carved luminary pumpkins at Collins Park
HUNDREDS of visitors
17 Trick or Treat Stations
116 officially cast votes for favorite pumpkins!
189 pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves (and cash too)!
8 happy cows munching on pumpkins, making this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to: *PIHS Roots & Shoots Club and PIMS Conservation Crew students for bringing this boo-tiful 2026 event to life! *Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event! *Sekapp Orchard for pumpkin and apple donations *All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves! *Community members, Pine Island students, and local businesses and organizations who carved these festive masterpieces and hosted Trick or Treat stations along the trail!
Pumpkin carving winners by category:
Spooky - Pumpkin #91 - Kyren Gansen
Environmental - Pumpkin #120 - Jadin Suk and Joel Simpson
Funny - Pumpkin #71 - Lucy Huppert
Business - Pumpkin #122 - Middle Fork Farm
Organization - Pumpkin #148 - Lion’s Club
School Group - Pumpkin #155 - Mrs. Matera’s Classroom
Best in Show - Pumpkin #30 - Brynne Miller, Claire Baird, and Isabelle Hartwig
Join Us for Veterans Day!
Pine Island Schools invites our community to join us on Wednesday, November 11th, as we honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country.
Veterans Day Programs:
10:00 AM – Elementary School
1:30 PM – 5–12 Building
We are grateful for the sacrifices, courage, and service of our veterans. We welcome community members, families, and veterans to join us as we come together to show our appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our nation.
We hope to see you there as we honor our heroes!
The PI Bands have been busy with post-season pep band...three events this past week...two home performances & one trip to the Mayo Civic Center.
🚨 Did you know? In Minnesota, Early Childhood Screening is a state requirement for children entering Kindergarten!🚨
Has your child had their screening yet?
If not, no worries! The ELC has you covered!
📅 Check out our next available screening date!
Can't make that date? No problem! Contact us to learn about our upcoming screening dates and find a time that works for you!
507-356-8876
Has your child had their screening yet?
If not, no worries! The ELC has you covered!
📅 Check out our next available screening date!
Can't make that date? No problem! Contact us to learn about our upcoming screening dates and find a time that works for you!
507-356-8876
Wrestling Gear Store is open!
https://shop.game-one.com/minnesota/pine-island/pine-island-panthers/pine-island-panthers-wrestling
Today a vehicle crashed into the entrance of the Pine Island Public Schools PACE Building. All students and staff at the building are safe, and no injuries were reported.
Students have been temporarily relocated within the district, and the district is arranging classroom space during cleanup and construction. All other district classes will continue as usual.
We appreciate the community's support and understanding.
Pine Island Public Schools
Students have been temporarily relocated within the district, and the district is arranging classroom space during cleanup and construction. All other district classes will continue as usual.
We appreciate the community's support and understanding.
Pine Island Public Schools
POSITION: Night Lead Custodian (2:30pm - 11pm, M-F Occasional Weekends-Special Events Only)
Date Posted: October 28, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: 5-12 Building
Compensation:
Pay range for this position: $18.51 - $22.77 per hour, depending on qualifications
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Competitive PTO package, Paid Holidays
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Pine Island Independent School District No. 255 is looking for a passionate, dedicated Custodian to join our growing team. Lead, inspect, clean, maintain, and repair, to provide a satisfactory physical learning environment for students, staff, & public that is safe, clean & functions efficiently district wide.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Graduate or equivalent
Some experience as a school custodian, or the equivalent in custodial service at other institutions & firms
Overall leadership, custodial, & mechanical ability
Demonstrate knowledge & expertise in the basic techniques of custodial service
Strong Communication Skills – Both Verbal & Written
Dependable, punctual, energetic, honest, respectful & courteous
Be able to list jobs on a priority basis
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Also see “Physical Requirements” below
Ability to acquire & obtain Boiler Engineers License
Performance Responsibilities:
This position performs a variety of custodial & maintenance duties in support of classroom & administrative operations. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, tasks required to maintain the cleanliness, good order, sanitary & secure condition of schools &/or administrative spaces. Incumbents must be capable of working reliably & independently to carry out assigned tasks & work schedules.
Job Duties:
Communicate & plan effectively with the Building & Grounds Director
Provides exceptional, customer-focused support to students, staff, & visitors by addressing needs promptly, communicating professionally, & fostering a welcoming & supportive environment
Lead the night shift custodial team
Responsible for the training of new night custodians
Operates custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, buffers, & carpet cleaners
Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, & minor repairs of custodial & building equipment
Responsible for snow removal & salting during night shift
Responsible for overseeing the setting up of activities as needed
Be familiar with & observe OSHA & other safety regulations
Order custodial supplies as needed
Transports & delivers educational materials & supplies as needed
Conducts routine health & safety inspections (emergency eyewash stations, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, elevators)
Be responsible to a flexible schedule as it relates to the needs of the district
Be responsible for emergency call backs as needed
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Buildings & Grounds Director
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
All employees subject to hazards are equipped per OSHA standards
Subject to work with biohazard waste, hazards, vapors & odors from various chemicals
Subject to temperature changes while performing assigned duties
May be required to work in extreme hot & cold temperatures
Subject to work from elevated work surfaces
Pine Island is a wonderful community with many offerings including:
A safe, welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying affordable living.
Beautiful parks, trails, & the Zumbro River for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, & biking.
A prime location just one hour south of the Twin Cities and twelve miles north of Rochester, home of the world famous Mayo Clinic & IBM.
If you’re looking for a school where you can make a difference, grow professionally and be embraced by a fantastic community, Pine Island High School is the place for you! Candidates with questions about the position are encouraged to contact Human Resources at kelly.heaser@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Apply today and become part of a district that values you and your passion for excellence.
Hiring Administrator: Director of Buildings & Grounds
Applicants: Please upload a resume and professional recommendations and apply at https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/
Date Posted: October 28, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: 5-12 Building
Compensation:
Pay range for this position: $18.51 - $22.77 per hour, depending on qualifications
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Competitive PTO package, Paid Holidays
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Pine Island Independent School District No. 255 is looking for a passionate, dedicated Custodian to join our growing team. Lead, inspect, clean, maintain, and repair, to provide a satisfactory physical learning environment for students, staff, & public that is safe, clean & functions efficiently district wide.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Graduate or equivalent
Some experience as a school custodian, or the equivalent in custodial service at other institutions & firms
Overall leadership, custodial, & mechanical ability
Demonstrate knowledge & expertise in the basic techniques of custodial service
Strong Communication Skills – Both Verbal & Written
Dependable, punctual, energetic, honest, respectful & courteous
Be able to list jobs on a priority basis
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Also see “Physical Requirements” below
Ability to acquire & obtain Boiler Engineers License
Performance Responsibilities:
This position performs a variety of custodial & maintenance duties in support of classroom & administrative operations. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, tasks required to maintain the cleanliness, good order, sanitary & secure condition of schools &/or administrative spaces. Incumbents must be capable of working reliably & independently to carry out assigned tasks & work schedules.
Job Duties:
Communicate & plan effectively with the Building & Grounds Director
Provides exceptional, customer-focused support to students, staff, & visitors by addressing needs promptly, communicating professionally, & fostering a welcoming & supportive environment
Lead the night shift custodial team
Responsible for the training of new night custodians
Operates custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, buffers, & carpet cleaners
Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, & minor repairs of custodial & building equipment
Responsible for snow removal & salting during night shift
Responsible for overseeing the setting up of activities as needed
Be familiar with & observe OSHA & other safety regulations
Order custodial supplies as needed
Transports & delivers educational materials & supplies as needed
Conducts routine health & safety inspections (emergency eyewash stations, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, elevators)
Be responsible to a flexible schedule as it relates to the needs of the district
Be responsible for emergency call backs as needed
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Buildings & Grounds Director
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
All employees subject to hazards are equipped per OSHA standards
Subject to work with biohazard waste, hazards, vapors & odors from various chemicals
Subject to temperature changes while performing assigned duties
May be required to work in extreme hot & cold temperatures
Subject to work from elevated work surfaces
Pine Island is a wonderful community with many offerings including:
A safe, welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying affordable living.
Beautiful parks, trails, & the Zumbro River for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, & biking.
A prime location just one hour south of the Twin Cities and twelve miles north of Rochester, home of the world famous Mayo Clinic & IBM.
If you’re looking for a school where you can make a difference, grow professionally and be embraced by a fantastic community, Pine Island High School is the place for you! Candidates with questions about the position are encouraged to contact Human Resources at kelly.heaser@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Apply today and become part of a district that values you and your passion for excellence.
Hiring Administrator: Director of Buildings & Grounds
Applicants: Please upload a resume and professional recommendations and apply at https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/
Daylight Saving Time Reminder! 🍂
Don’t forget to turn your clocks BACK one hour before heading to bed on Saturday, October 31! 🕰️
Don’t forget to turn your clocks BACK one hour before heading to bed on Saturday, October 31! 🕰️
Van Driver - Type III
Qualifications:
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Current valid driver’s license
• Safe driving record
• Must be available Monday - Friday 6:30am - 4:00pm
• Must pass drug test and DOT physical.
Pine Island Schools is looking for a van driver. This job is Monday - Friday. Hours available are approximately 6:30am - 8:30am, 10:30am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 4:30pm with other hours possible. Pay is $19.86 per hour. Benefits include PTO and paid holidays.
Job Goal: To provide safe transportation of district students to and from school. He/she is responsible for the general care and daily inspection of the van assigned to him/her. He/she shall be knowledgeable of all laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the safe transportation of students and of all district policy.
Responsibilities:
• Transport students in a safe manner.
• Perform daily pre-trip inspections on his/her van
• Complete daily mileage log
• Keep van clean on inside and outside
• Complies with all traffic ordinances
• Discipline to be handled by driver, but if needed, fill out discipline reports and forward to appropriate administrator
• Report accidents and violations to Transportation Director
• Employee is responsible to be knowledgeable of all District policies
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
Please apply at https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/.
Qualifications:
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Current valid driver’s license
• Safe driving record
• Must be available Monday - Friday 6:30am - 4:00pm
• Must pass drug test and DOT physical.
Pine Island Schools is looking for a van driver. This job is Monday - Friday. Hours available are approximately 6:30am - 8:30am, 10:30am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 4:30pm with other hours possible. Pay is $19.86 per hour. Benefits include PTO and paid holidays.
Job Goal: To provide safe transportation of district students to and from school. He/she is responsible for the general care and daily inspection of the van assigned to him/her. He/she shall be knowledgeable of all laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the safe transportation of students and of all district policy.
Responsibilities:
• Transport students in a safe manner.
• Perform daily pre-trip inspections on his/her van
• Complete daily mileage log
• Keep van clean on inside and outside
• Complies with all traffic ordinances
• Discipline to be handled by driver, but if needed, fill out discipline reports and forward to appropriate administrator
• Report accidents and violations to Transportation Director
• Employee is responsible to be knowledgeable of all District policies
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
Please apply at https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/.
PUMPKIN LUMINARY TRAIL! Spooky fun this Friday!
Join our Roots and Shoots and Conservation Crew THIS FRIDAY, October 30, from 5–7 PM at Collins Park in Pine Island! Glowing pumpkins and Halloween fun! Come enjoy this one-of-a-kind spooky evening!
Look forward to:
🎃A wheelchair-accessible and stroller friendly trail lined with creatively carved, glowing pumpkins
🎃15 trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses, organizations, and community members
🎃Costumes! They are encouraged!
🎃Supporting a great cause and event created by local students!
🎃Hot chocolate available for $2
Suggested admission is free will donation — bring a cash donation or nonperishable food items to support the Pine Island Sharing Shelves food pantry.
Our local community is wonderful! A HUGE thank-you to everyone who has carved and donated pumpkins, volunteered, or helped spread the word! Your support makes this spooky community event possible.
WHERE: Collins Park, Pine Island (Note new location) - 420 3rd Ave NW, Pine Island, MN 55963
WHEN: Friday, October 30
TIME: 5–7 PM
PS - The coolest part? Most pumpkins were locally grown (thanks to donations from Sekapp Orchard and Morgan Homestead) any unclaimed pumpkins will be donated to a local farmer for cow snacks! We love supporting our local community!
Join our Roots and Shoots and Conservation Crew THIS FRIDAY, October 30, from 5–7 PM at Collins Park in Pine Island! Glowing pumpkins and Halloween fun! Come enjoy this one-of-a-kind spooky evening!
Look forward to:
🎃A wheelchair-accessible and stroller friendly trail lined with creatively carved, glowing pumpkins
🎃15 trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses, organizations, and community members
🎃Costumes! They are encouraged!
🎃Supporting a great cause and event created by local students!
🎃Hot chocolate available for $2
Suggested admission is free will donation — bring a cash donation or nonperishable food items to support the Pine Island Sharing Shelves food pantry.
Our local community is wonderful! A HUGE thank-you to everyone who has carved and donated pumpkins, volunteered, or helped spread the word! Your support makes this spooky community event possible.
WHERE: Collins Park, Pine Island (Note new location) - 420 3rd Ave NW, Pine Island, MN 55963
WHEN: Friday, October 30
TIME: 5–7 PM
PS - The coolest part? Most pumpkins were locally grown (thanks to donations from Sekapp Orchard and Morgan Homestead) any unclaimed pumpkins will be donated to a local farmer for cow snacks! We love supporting our local community!